UP min tells flood victims ‘Ganga is touching your feet’; Woman replies, ‘Stay and take blessings’
Lucknow: Amid ongoing flood-like conditions and severe waterlogging in parts of Uttar Pradesh, particularly along the Ganga River, state Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad has drawn criticism for controversial remarks made during a visit to Kanpur Dehat.
In a video that surfaced on social media, Nishad is purportedly heard telling flood-affected villagers that they are “Ganga’s children” and thus, the “Ganga river reaches your doorstep to clean your feet and this would take you directly to heaven,” as reported by The Indian Express on Wednesday.
Nishad, assigned to oversee relief work in the district, made the comments as residents tried to voice concerns over the flooding and lack of adequate relief.
Also, a woman travelling along with the government team is purportedly heard trying to clarify the minister’s remarks to an elderly woman, who in turn asks her to stay there with them and “take the blessings of Ganga yourself.”
The minister’s remarks triggered widespread criticism online, with many calling them insensitive amid the ongoing crisis. Defending his statement, Nishad stated that he was only trying to offer emotional support. “Flooding is a natural calamity, and the government is doing everything it can to help people. We are giving food packets, cooked food as well, but one needs to highlight positive thoughts to them also, and that is what I did. We cannot stop water, and this is not a one-day or one-year problem,” TIE quoted Nishad as saying.
He added that instilling hope is essential, or else “the opposition will spread negativity.”
Incessant rainfall in Uttar Pradesh has led to floods in thirteen districts of the state. The Ganga River is reportedly flowing above the danger mark in Varanasi, Mirzapur, Ghazipur, and Ballia. Similarly, the Yamuna has crossed the red mark in Auraiya, Kalpi, Hamirpur, Prayagraj, and Banda.
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Barber held for beating man to death over 'bidi' in east Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A 32-year-old barber was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly beating a man to death following an altercation over a 'bidi' in east Delhi's Pandav Nagar area, police said.
A call regarding the incident that occurred near the bus stand road in Shashi Garden was received at 1.24 am, they said.
The victim was identified as Deepak (28), while the accused was Manoj, he added.
According to the police, during an argument, the accused picked up a wooden stick lying nearby and struck the victim repeatedly on the head. Multiple injuries and bruise marks were also found on the victim's forehead.
"Deepak was taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead," an officer said.
An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway, the officer added.
